calcium

noun

cal·​ci·​um ˈkal-sē-əm 

often attributive

: a metallic chemical element of the alkaline-earth group that occurs naturally only in combination and is essential to cellular functions in all known organisms see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of calcium in a Sentence

Her doctor said she should eat more foods that are high in calcium, such as milk and cheese.

Recent Examples on the Web

This means Reese's Miniature Cups have at least some of the nutrients that peanuts have, including calcium, niacin, iron, potassium, zinc, selenium and vitamin E. —Daryl Austin, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024

These include vitamin C and B vitamins (like thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and folate), calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, manganese, chromium, sodium, and potassium. —Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2024

Plus, it’s enriched with calcium and vitamins A, D, and B12. —Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 9 Oct. 2024

Greek Yogurt With Berries Plain Greek yogurt contains about 20 grams of protein (40% of the DV) in a 7-ounce serving, along with calcium, vitamin B12, and probiotics.411 Add a cup of nutrient- and antioxidant-rich berries, such as raspberries, for 8 grams of fiber (29% of the DV). —Johna Burdeos, Health, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin calc-, calx lime

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing calcium

• calcium carbide
• calcium carbonate
• calcium channel blocker
• calcium chloride
• calcium citrate
• calcium cyanamide
• calcium gluconate
• calcium hydroxide
• calcium hypochlorite
• calcium oxalate
• calcium oxide
• calcium phosphate
• calcium silicate
• calcium sulfate

Kids Definition

calcium

noun

cal·​ci·​um ˈkal-sē-əm 

: a silver-white soft metallic element that is found only in combination with other elements (as in limestone) and is one of the necessary elements making up the bodies of most plants and animals see element

Etymology

derived from Latin calc-, calx "lime" — related to calculate, chalk

Medical Definition

calcium

noun

cal·​ci·​um ˈkal-sē-əm 

often attributive

: a silver-white bivalent metallic element that is an alkaline earth metal, occurs only in combination, and is an essential constituent of most plants and animals

—symbol Ca see Chemical Elements Table